BJP set to lose Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh; Likely to meet same fate in MP

The BJP was ousted from power in Chhattisgarh after three terms and lost Rajasthan after one term in the Assembly elections which were dubbed by the Opposition as semi-final before the Parliamentary polls due by May next year.

The saffron party also appeared to fall short of the majority figure of 116 seats in Madhya Pradesh, according to the latest results and trends available.

Among two other states which went to the polls, Telangana saw the TRS retaining power with a sweeping majority while in Mizoram, the Mizo National Front won with a thumping majority.

A buoyant Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the drubbing faced by the BJP was a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he had failed to fulfill his promises and asserted that a "resurgent" Congress, along with a united opposition, will defeat BJP in the next year's Lok Sabha polls as well.

The Congress was set to form government in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and was close to majority in Madhya Pradesh as well.

In Rajasthan, where elections were held for 199 out of 200 seats, the Congress won 81 seats and was leading at 18, making a total of 99.

The ruling BJP was behind, winning 67 seats and leading at 6.

The majority mark is 100 seats and the Congress is poised to cross it with the support of RLD, whose one candidate won, and some Independents.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) will meet in Jaipur tomorrow at 11.30 AM to pass a resolution empowering the high command to choose the chief minister.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former Union Minister Sachin Pilot are front-runners for the post.

In Chhattisgarh, where 90 seats were at stake, the Congress won 15 seats and was leading at 53, making a total of 68 seats, way past the required majority mark of 46.

The BJP was left struggling with 3 seats won and 13 leading.

Chief Minister Raman Singh, who ruled the state for three consecutive terms, tendered his resignation, taking "moral responsibility" for the defeat.

In Madhya Pradesh, where 230 seats were up for grabs, the ruling BJP and the Congress were neck-and-neck throughout the day.

According to the latest tally, the BJP won 31 seats and was leading at 79, taking the total to 110.

On the other hand, the Congress was victorious at 29 seats and was leading at 84, making a total of 113.

BSP was leading at 2 seats, Samajwadi Party at 1 seat and Independents at 3.

The majority mark is 116 seats.